First Detector workshops share key insights on invasive species in IllinoisFeb 12, 2015 8:13 PMUniversity of Illinois Extension
More than 40 horticulture industry professionals and experienced gardeners learned about critical pest issues during the 2015 Illinois First Detector Workshop in Wheaton. Each year, the Illinois First Detector Program presents key information on invasive pests, diseases and plants through workshops in eight locations across Illinois, including the Feb. 3 event at Cantigny Gardens.

Kohl’s Cares to award $400,000 in scholarshipsFeb 12, 2015 10:59 AMSubmitted by Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program
Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recently announced it will award nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,500 students who have made a positive impact on their communities.

Girl Scout Cookie Delivery Day at Lake County FairgroundsFeb 16, 2015 3:43 PMFaith Mangler
Lake County Fairground management has graciously donated the use of their facility located at 1060 E. Peterson Road in Grayslake to the Girl Scouts for their annual cookie delivery day taking place on Tuesday, February 17, 2015.

Extended Weekend Hours For Last Minute Health Insurance ShoppersFeb 6, 2015 10:22 AMLake County Health Department
Shopping for health insurance coverage at the last minute? Enroll Lake County! is offering extended hours on the final weekend of the enrollment period before the February 15 deadline. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.

Presidents’ Issue New Report on Granting Baccalaureate Degrees for Various FieldsFeb 5, 2015 4:17 PMCOD News Bureau
Illinois Council of Community College Presidents
NORMAL Illinois community college presidents approved a recommendation urging the community college system be allowed to grant four-year baccalaureate degrees for nursing and other applied career areas at their meeting on Friday, January 30.
“This recommendation, which took nearly one year to study and prepare, shows our community colleges can be the place where students can earn the degrees close to home which is important to their families and communities,” said Thomas Choice, the president of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.
The study recommends community colleges be authorized to grant four-year degrees for applied careers and nursing degrees. Illinois would join 21 others states already offering these four-year degrees. Illinois officials have discussed the concept and experiences for families in other states for several years.
“Our study indicates many employers across the state need a workforce with a higher level of education. Community colleges are uniquely positioned with their strong industry and workforce relationships to provide these programs” said Carl Sandberg College President Lori Sundberg. Sundberg chaired the committee that wrote the report.
The Council will work with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the legislature to ensure the necessary steps to move forward.
Choice, who is president of Kishwaukee College in Malta Illinois, noted the report recommends the addition of these programs be managed without any additional state funding. It is anticipated that the variable tuition program already used by many community colleges for career and technical degrees would be used for these four-year degrees.
The applied baccalaureate degrees would cover fields like automotive, respiratory therapy and dental hygiene among others.

Veterans tell their stories of fighting substance abuseFeb 9, 2015 12:42 PMLake County Health Department submission
Military veterans who faced drug and alcohol problems and found a different way to live their lives will be telling their stories Feb. 16 in Gurnee during a free presentation titled “Veterans in Recovery.”

PM Prime Steakhouse Hosts Supper Club EventsFeb 5, 2015 9:46 AMCarolyn Jacobs
Don your fedora or your pill box hat and get ready for the PM Prime Supper Club. Guests will step back in time to an era of straight-up martinis, silk suits and the sounds of Sinatra crooning in the background.

LifeSource calls for blood donation awareness during Black History Month
Feb 3, 2015 10:48 AMJoe White
In honor of Black History Month, LifeSource is highlighting the importance of blood donation among African-Americans. Thirty-seven percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet fewer than 10 percent actually donate. Less than one percent of these blood donations are from African-Americans.

Lake County offers screenings for sexually transmitted infectionsFeb 12, 2015 1:19 PMSubmitted by the Lake County Health Department
Valentine’s Day is an opportune time to remind residents that tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are available at the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center.

Kohl’s Cares to award nearly $400,000 in scholarshipsJan 30, 2015 5:36 PMKohl’s Cares Scholarship Program
Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recently announced it will award nearly $400,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,500 students who have made a positive impact on their communities. Nominations for kids, age 6 to 18, will be accepted Jan. 30 to March 13 at kohlskids.com. “Children around the country are doing inspiring work in their communities every day and Kohl's is proud to reward these future leaders through the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program,” said Bevin Bailis.

Feb. 26: CLC sponsors Get Connected Vendor FairFeb 2, 2015 9:52 AMCollege of Lake County
Over the next five years, the College of Lake County will spend $148 million on campus improvements involving major purchases of goods and services beyond its normal business needs.